Another very interesting tidbit is that #Stinger is by far the most effective #MANPADS in Ukraine. Partly because of the numbers employed, but also because (for reasons I confess I didn't fully understand) Russian helicopters can't recognise when they're being targeted by it.

With the GCAP treaty now ratified by all 3 parliaments and the GIGO and now the JV agreed, the programme is on course to transition from the current concept and assessment phase to the full development and design phase towards end of 2025. Onwards and upwards...

Will be a 33.3% each way venture. As with the #GIGO joint governmental office, the JV will have its HQ in the UK. Consequently, the first CEO of the GIGO will be from Japan, while the first CEO of the JV will be from Italy.

The story says 11 and 7, not 11 and 9.

First flight 4 November 2024, with three further flight tests following to end of Phase 1 flight testing that concluded last Friday. To pick up flying again in March 2025...

#ISANKE & ICS equipment (inc 10 operator stations & 16 150 kg mission racks) to be fitted mid-2026, when #Tempest mission system testing to begin. Currently a UK-asset, plans to transfer Excalibur to tri-national #GCAP control after Tempest testing concludes late 2027/early 2028.

For the bumps, the airframe now has the two side and one underbelly blisters, as well as a pitot at the top of the fin under Phase 1 Installation. With these verified in flight tests, Phase 2 will see radar and chin fairings, and a larger aft underbelly blister, and wingpods.

Yes, my point was more about the irrelevance of striving for % of GDP targets than about the chronic underspend on defence in Europe and Canada.

Agree that Europe needs to up its game in terms of defence spending, but most European NATO countries don't have the global military commitments of the US, France, or the UK. The US spends 2.9% (have seen other lower/higher numbers), but how much of that relates to NATO?

No Gripens delivered as yet. Focus now on the F-16s.

I won't mention the award for inventing a ladder for the F-16 that entered service in 1979, as that is actually quite clever...